MOSCOW, January 12 - RAPSI, Natalia Belova. A federal commercial court has upheld on Tuesday the Federal Antimonopoly Service's (FAS) resolution that the Belarus Food Company (BPK) and MozyrSalt colluded to manipulate the salt market, the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com) reports from the courtroom.

The Moscow District Federal Commercial Court sided with the appeals court.

BPK, MozyrSalt, and Eurotrust Expo had filed a claim challenging the FAS decision that the companies colluded to divide the salt market and stifle competition. The Moscow Commercial Court held against BPK and MozyrSalt on July 27.

Eurotrust Expo dropped its suit, deciding not to further challenge the FAS decision. The food producer pleaded guilty to violating competition law in exchange for a reduced fine.

According to the FAS resolution dated January 20, MozyrSalt, BPK, TDS and Eurotrust Expo met to agree on how salt should be distributed in Russia.